We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53010 KES ($400 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
As my newly started business picks up, I hope to venture into other easy-to-manage investments such as raising livestock; such as goats and cows. I aim to buy and raise cows and goats because they are always valuable live assets. They can be of great benefit to my family in the long run. For instance, when I am in financial need, I will come to raise school fees. Unfortunately, at the moment, I do not have any form of investment in terms of livestock keeping.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my view, GiveDirectly does so well by ensuring that there is no imposing of any condition on its recipients on how they should spend their transfer. As a result, I was able to spend my transfer wisely, and now I have a running business. Without the transfer, I would still be relying on charcoal making. It was not bearing any good income and I am glad I have a reliable source of income. So far, I think there is nothing that GiveDirectly needs to do to improve its operational processes.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In the past, I had been longing to start up a business. I did not have a source of income except to burn charcoal to raise money for my family's support. With my transfer, I started a small shop business. It cost me capital of $300 to start my current business. I am so glad that my business is running so well, and I can realize a net profit of about $2 every day. Since I have a child in college pursuing an electronic course, I spent $200 on his school fees. He always has ample time in school so he can focus on his studies. I am glad courtesy of my transfers, my financial burden has been made light.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($442 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I clearly remember being at home busy doing the house chores when I learned of my transfer. when all of a sudden, my Son informed me that there was a message popping up on my screen. Since I could not read, I gave him the go-ahead to check. He told me that I had money from GiveDirectly after looking at my phone. I was so ecstatic because I knew I would be able to achieve my objectives. I then told my husband the wonderful news over the phone, and he was just as delighted and excited. I will always be appreciative to GiveDirectly for giving me the chance to improve my life.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The major difference in my daily life is that the transfer from the organization provided me with the drive and motivation to succeed, which increased my economic state. My family's future would be better as a result of this. Before now, starting a business was difficult because of limited resources. I will always be grateful for the support that has transformed my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a businesswoman, and my husband sells charcoal. We have three kids. I considered starting a retail store as soon as I received my transfer to increase our daily income. Before now, it was challenging to raise large amounts of money at once. I, therefore, invested $250 towards the business's launch. Second, I set aside $250 for future usage. My spouse is overjoyed that we have a reliable stream of income and that the money we spent on the business is generating more profit. I will always be grateful for the support that increased our income and allowed us to enjoy financial freedom.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
A new business! I have for a long time spent my energy on tedious jobs such as charcoal work. These jobs have drained my stamina and I am currently weak to be productive. Since I already have a stall where I can start a shop, I am planning to spend utmost $600 of my money to start a shop business within the village. This will soon attract more profit because people have to walk at least 3 kilometers to shop for foodstuff. This will make me relax at home and enjoy my life as I operate my business. The remaining amount will help me to support my children's education, an investment that will lighten up their future. Therefore, this is generally what receiving this money means to me.
What is the happiest part of your day?
With the many challenges that I am currently facing, including the tough economic activities I am doing, it is so clear that getting a smile on my face is very rare. I have been living with the hope that one day, a miracle might happen to lighten my future. It was all a smile when I heard about the arrival of GiveDirectly in our village because I knew my prayers has been answered. What a promising future to be enrolled in this program! I, therefore, consider this as what has recently brought me joy.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I live in a polygamous family where my husband has 2 wives with a total of 11 household members. This has posed a challenge to us since our spouse is jobless and it has forced me to engage in charcoal work to earn money that can sustain the needs of my 3 children. Considering this job, its income is very low say, ($30 per month), it is very hard for me to fully support my children's education. This challenge has already affected my secondborn because despite having good marks for a slot in secondary school, she never joined. What a stressful life as a mother! Hence, I consider financial instability as my biggest challenge.
